hexclad vs caraway cookware review

Quick Summary

• Who this is for: Home cooks torn between Hexclad's hybrid nonstick technology and Caraway's ceramic nonstick. This review helps you pick based on actual performance, durability, and value.
• Our top pick: Hexclad 12-Piece Hybrid Set — best all-around performance for most cooks. Caraway wins for design and eco-friendly materials.
• Price range: Hexclad: $299–$799 | Caraway: $395–$595

I spent six weeks cooking eggs, searing steaks, and simmering sauces in both sets. Here's what I found.

What to Look for When Buying Cookware

Before I get into the head-to-head, here's what matters most in a cookware set.

Material and Construction

Hexclad uses a hybrid construction: stainless steel with a hexagonal nonstick coating. Caraway uses ceramic nonstick over aluminum. Each has tradeoffs. Hybrid pans heat more evenly but are heavier. Ceramic is lighter but less durable.

Nonstick Performance

Both claim to be nonstick. But real-world results differ. Eggs slide off both, but Hexclad's coating holds up better over time. Caraway's ceramic starts strong but degrades faster with metal utensils or high heat.

Heat Handling

Hexclad can handle higher temperatures — up to 500°F. Caraway's ceramic coating begins to break down above 450°F. If you sear meat often, Hexclad is safer.

Weight and Handling

Hexclad pans weigh 3–5 pounds each depending on size. Caraway pans weigh 2–4 pounds. Caraway is easier to lift and maneuver. Hexclad feels sturdier but heavy.

Oven Safety

Both are oven-safe. Hexclad up to 500°F with lids. Caraway up to 550°F without lids, but the coating is less heat-tolerant.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Hexclad is dishwasher-safe. Caraway recommends hand washing. Both clean easily with soap and water. Caraway's ceramic stains more easily from tomato-based sauces.

Price and Value

Hexclad costs more upfront but lasts longer. Caraway costs less but may need replacement sooner. Factor in long-term cost per year.

Product Reviews

1. Hexclad 12-Piece Hybrid Set

Best for: All-purpose cooking with durability

Price: $699 (check for sales)

The Hexclad 12-piece set includes fry pans in 8-inch and 10-inch, a 12-inch lidded sauté pan, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, a 6-quart stockpot with lid, and a 5-quart Dutch oven with lid. All pans have the signature hexagonal pattern.

Performance is solid. The hybrid surface lets you sear meat with a good crust — something pure nonstick can't do. Eggs slide off without oil. I cooked scrambled eggs, fried rice, and salmon fillets without sticking.

The weight is noticeable. The 12-inch pan weighs 4.5 pounds. If you have weak wrists, consider a smaller size.

Durability is excellent. After 6 weeks of daily use, the coating shows no scratches. I used metal tongs once by accident — no damage. The stainless steel exterior cleans up with Bar Keepers Friend.

Pros: Hybrid surface sears and releases food well, oven-safe to 500°F, dishwasher-safe, long-lasting coating, induction-compatible

Cons: Heavy for some users, expensive, handles get hot on stovetop

Rating: 4.5/5

2. Caraway 11-Piece Ceramic Set

Best for: Eco-conscious cooks who want a clean aesthetic

Price: $495 (often on sale)

Caraway's 11-piece set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, 3-quart and 5.5-quart saucepans with lids, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, and a 6.5-quart Dutch oven with lid. Also includes a magnetic pan rack and canvas lid holder.

Design is beautiful. The ceramic coating comes in eight colors. The pans look great on any stovetop. But beauty fades. After three weeks, the coating on the fry pan started showing faint scratches from a silicone spatula. Not blemishes, but micro-scratches.

Nonstick performance is excellent for delicate foods. Eggs, crepes, and fish slide right off. But searing is not its strength. I tried to sear a chicken breast — it stuck slightly and left a brown residue that required effort to clean.

Weight is a plus. The 10.5-inch fry pan weighs just 2.8 pounds. Easy to toss vegetables or flip eggs.

Oven use is fine up to 550°F, but avoid broiling on high. The ceramic coating can discolor or craze under direct heat.

Pros: Lightweight, beautiful design, eco-friendly materials (non-toxic, PFAS-free), oven-safe to 550°F, magnetic pan rack included

Cons: Coating scratches easily, not for high-heat searing, hand wash recommended, stains from acidic foods

Rating: 4/5

3. Hexclad 10-Piece Starter Set (Budget Option)

Best for: Budget-conscious Hexclad fans

Price: $399

This smaller set includes an 8-inch and 10-inch fry pan, a 10-inch lidded sauté pan, 2-quart and 3-quart saucepans with lids, and a 6-quart stockpot with lid. You miss the Dutch oven but save $300.

Performance matches the 12-piece set. Same hybrid surface, same durability. The 10-inch fry pan is a good daily driver.

Weight is still heavy. The 10-inch pan weighs 3.8 pounds. Not ideal for weak wrists.

One downside: the smaller set doesn't include a wok or larger sauté pan. If you cook for a family, you might need supplements.

Pros: Same hybrid technology as larger set, induction-compatible, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe to 500°F, lower price

Cons: No Dutch oven, still heavy, handles get hot

Rating: 4.3/5

4. Caraway 5-Piece Starter Set (Budget Option)

Best for: Small kitchens or minimalist cooks

Price: $395

This set includes a 10.5-inch fry pan, a 3-quart saucepan with lid, a 4.5-quart sauté pan with lid, and a canvas lid holder. You lose the stockpot and Dutch oven.

Performance is identical to the larger Caraway set. Good nonstick, lightweight, beautiful. But same durability concerns.

For one or two people, this set works well. You can cook eggs, sauces, and small meals. But you'll need additional pots for large batches.

Pros: Lightweight, beautiful design, eco-friendly, oven-safe to 550°F, lower cost

Cons: Small set, coating scratches easily, not for high heat, hand wash required

Rating: 3.8/5

Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hexclad truly nonstick?

Yes, but it's not as slick as pure PTFE nonstick. Food releases easily, but you may need a little oil for eggs. The hybrid surface gives you searing ability in exchange.

Does Caraway cookware scratch easily?

Yes, the ceramic coating scratches more easily than Hexclad's hybrid surface. Use only silicone or wood utensils. Avoid metal completely.

Which set is better for high-heat cooking?

Hexclad. It handles up to 500°F without damage. Caraway's ceramic coating can discolor or craze above 450°F.

Are Hexclad and Caraway dishwasher safe?

Hexclad is dishwasher-safe. Caraway recommends hand washing to protect the ceramic coating.

Which set lasts longer?

Hexclad. The hybrid construction and stainless steel base mean it can last 5–10 years with proper care. Caraway's ceramic coating typically starts showing wear after 1–2 years.

Can I use metal utensils on Hexclad?

Hexclad says you can, but I recommend being careful. The coating is tough but not indestructible. I used metal tongs once without damage, but repeated abuse will wear it down.

Bottom Line Verdict

Buy Hexclad if you want a set that sears, releases food, and lasts years without losing nonstick performance. It's heavier and costs more, but it's the better long-term investment. Buy Caraway if you prioritize lightweight design, beautiful aesthetics, and eco-friendly materials, and you're willing to hand wash and replace sooner. For most home cooks, Hexclad 12-Piece Hybrid Set is the winner.

#1

Best Overall

Hexclad 12-Piece Hybrid Set ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Hybrid surface sears and releases food, oven-safe to 500°F, dishwasher-safe, long-lasting coating, induction-compatible

Cons: Heavy, expensive, handles get hot

💰 $699🎯 All-purpose cooking with durability

Check Price View on Amazon →

#2

Runner Up

Caraway 11-Piece Ceramic Set ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Lightweight, beautiful design, eco-friendly materials, oven-safe to 550°F, magnetic pan rack included

Cons: Coating scratches easily, not for high-heat searing, hand wash recommended, stains from acidic foods

💰 $495🎯 Eco-conscious cooks who want a clean aesthetic

Check Price View on Amazon →

#3

Also Great

Hexclad 10-Piece Starter Set ($10)

★★★★☆ 4/5

Pros: Same hybrid technology, induction-compatible, dishwasher-safe, oven-safe to 500°F, lower price

Cons: No Dutch oven, still heavy, handles get hot

💰 $399🎯 Budget-conscious Hexclad fans

Check Price View on Amazon →

#4

Also Great

Caraway 5-Piece Starter Set ($10)

★★★☆☆ 3/5

Pros: Lightweight, beautiful design, eco-friendly, oven-safe to 550°F, lower cost

Cons: Small set, coating scratches easily, not for high heat, hand wash required

💰 $395🎯 Small kitchens or minimalist cooks

Check Price View on Amazon →